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FCC close to finalizing TV white space rules

Sep 1, 2010 11:28pm

The FCC is close to releasing final rules for the use of TV white space spectrum after authorizing the spectrum's use for unlicensed services back in 2008.

According to The Wall Street Journal, some of Chairman Julius Genachowski's top aides have met with broadcasters and other involved parties to hammer out the remaining challenges to use of the spectrum. Genachowski indicated earlier this year that he wanted rules finalized by the end of September. Companies such as Microsoft and Google have continued to lobby the FCC for the final rules.

White space airwaves "represent a unique opportunity to spark next-generation broadband networks across the country," Rick Whitt, Google's telecom and media counsel, said in an interview with the WSJ. "We're very eager for the commission to give the green light to start innovating and building new services on these airwaves."

Since the FCC approved the use of white space spectrum in late 2008, broadcasters and wireless microphone users have continued to fret over the potential for interference. The FCC's technical conditions require that both fixed and portable devices include geolocation and spectrum-sensing applications capable of integrating with an FCC database that comprises TV signals and the location of venues such as stadiums and concert arenas that use wireless microphones. Geolocation technology will be used to map the location of the device and compares it to the location of TV stations in an area. The database must be able to check for other registered devices, making sure the device is registered with the database and calculating accurate maps to identify TV channels and other services operating in the spectrum.